Speed Reads....

The St. Paul City Council has "offered a green light to a new eight-story, 160-unit hotel and parking garage" near Allianz Field. Minnesota United owner Bill McGuire has said that if financing comes through, site clearing for new real estate development "could begin this year, perhaps as soon as this summer" (St. Paul PIONEER PRESS, 4/11).

Former NFLer Jason Kelce and brother Chiefs TE Travis Kelce on Thursday returned to their alma mater the Univ. of Cincinnati for a live version of their "New Heights" podcast in "front of more than 12,500 fans at Fifth Third Arena" (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 4/11).

Lacrosse e-retailer and team dealer Lax.com acquired Universal Lacrosse, making Lax.com the largest ecommerce and team dealer dedicated strictly to the sport of lacrosse. Lax.com will also be acquiring Universal’s 10 retail stores (Lax.com).